Tottenham are also said to be interested in Fernandes, though their approach is likely to depend on the future of Christian Eriksen.

Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho is flying between Portugal and England to try and thrash out a deal for the player, but it does not look like negotiations between United and Sporting are yet at an advanced stage.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs two midfield signings this summer following Ander Herrera’s departure and uncertainty over Paul Pogba’s future at the club. Fernandes would be a fantastic creative addition given the side’s inability to score goals for large parts of last season.

The 24-year-old midfielder scored 32 goals in just 50 appearances for Sporting last season.